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Royalty at Sports Fest in 1970s

Royalty at Sports Fest in 1970s
by Haji Mohd Daud Abdul Rahman
Published in Borneo Bulletin on 19th January 2013

ONE can fondly remember of the days way back when royalties along with state dignitaries would embark to the Padang Besar Bandar Brunei to compete in a Sports Fest. The most favoured games were the tug-of-war, football friendly match and the sack race.

Leading the sporting events were His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, along with other royal family members.

The sack race was participated by Al-Marhum Begawan Sultan, heads of department and Pehin-Pehin Manteri, whereas the tug-of-war commenced with the team from His Majesty went head-to-head against heads of department led by Allahyarham Pehin Awang Haji Hussin, the Social Welfare Officer. The football match was held between the teams of Wazir-Wazir against the Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria.

The padang was surrounded by the public and they watched the hilarious costume contest where men would dress up like women. The presentation of prizes was done by the then British High Commissioner, Mr Arthur Withson. Participating football teams would take a group photo with members of the royal family, state dignitaries, and heads of department with their winning trophy. The sports day was held in conjunction with His Majesty’s birthday during that time.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam with his late father Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien in a group photo with head of teams after the Sports Fest in 1970 (Source: Haji Daud Haji Abd Rahman)

DESPITE first making its appearance in the Sultanate during the 1940s, Kuih Mor continues to be a household favourite today as a tea time snack or festive treat particularly during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

Siti Norhafizah Hj Bagol, a final year student at Universiti Brunei Darussalam who researched on Kuih Mor as part of her Brunei Traditional Industry module, said the three-ingredient sweet treat may have existed in Brunei as early as the 1940s when padi was known to have been grown to make different food items.

Over time, the cookie has also become a popular door-gift choice often handed out at Malay weddings or gatherings, said Siti Norhafizah.

Made with flour, oil and granulated sugar which have been ground into a powder, the bite-sized biscuits have a crumbly texture and are coated with powdered sugar.

The age-old technique of making Kuih Mor by hand has however changed over the course of time, with many now opt…